October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia (Sasanqua)

The brand new October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia from the Southern Living Plant Collection provides a unique twist on the classic Shi Shi Gashira Camellia! Gorgeous white, double blooms emerge from October to January. While the rest of your landscape is gearing down for a long, chilly winter, the White Shi Shi Camellia is just getting started! Like its namesake, the Shi Shi Gashira Camellia, the October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia features a naturally compact growth habit. This white bloom camellia maxes out at around 3-4' H x 3-4' W. Therefore, it's perfect for a low-maintenance low hedge or border. Try the White Shi Shi Camellia as an accent, container, mass planting, or slope planting. This selection features notable disease and pest resistance, as well as impressive heat tolerance. Additionally, the October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia is more tolerant of clay soils than most varieties. Sturdy branches and evergreen foliage make the White Shi Shi Camellia popular with local birds. Plant 30-36" apart for a seamless hedge of foliage. Space 48" or more apart for space between plants. October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia Care Hardy from USDA Zones 7-9. Prefers Full Sun to Partial Shade, around 4-6 hours of sun a day. Insufficient sunlight will result in reduced bloom and foliage potential. However, too much sun can cause undue stress to the October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia. Grows best in slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Water regularly until established, 2-3 times a week during the first growing season. Increase the watering frequency in dry weather and decrease the frequency during heavy rain periods. Fertilize with an acidic plant fertilizer in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Topdressing the soil underneath your October Magic White Shi Shi Camellia yearly with a couple of inches of composted manure, such as Black Kow, will keep your soil rich and healthy. If needed, prune in late winter before new foliage flushes out.